CBS is really taking over CSTV and re naming the network as well as putting plenty of new resources into the cable network. It also is the first time that the CBS brand will be used on a cable network.
The change takes place March 1st and the network will begin to develop proprietary programming for the cable network, and incorporate the growing online activities of CSTV into its industry-leading online operations.
This big news for NAVY, and a number of other local college teams who appears on the network or will in the not too distant future.
The announcement came today from the office of Sean McManus, President, CBS News and Sports, and Tony Petitti, Executive Vice President and Executive Producer, CBS Sports, who will oversee day to day operations of the network.
As part of the reorganization, a new emphasis will be placed on developing original programming for the CBS COLLEGE SPORTS NETWORK, drawing on the top on-air and creative talents in the industry. Anchoring the lineup will be COLLEGE SPORTS TONIGHT, a news and information program examining the day’s developments in the world of collegiate sports, and providing previews of upcoming events. The program will air twice a night. COLLEGE SPORTS TONIGHT is just one of many new programs to be featured on the CBS COLLEGE SPORTS NETWORK. Additional programming will be announced shortly.
“We believe this rebranding will better position our college sports cable network in the competitive world of cable television distribution,” said McManus. “It’s hard to imagine a cable company going forward that will not welcome the CBS SPORTS branded channel to its cable systems. In this move, we further build on the value of this important new part of our company.”
“The ability to bring unity to the CBS Sports brand across all media — broadcast network, cable, online and mobile — is something we know audiences and advertisers will continue to embrace,” said Petitti. “CBS COLLEGE SPORTS NETWORK will now be easily recognized as an asset of an already proud brand and distributor of the highest quality sports programming.”
The CSTV website is also about to go over a change as CBS wants their brand to take over the CSTV name.
“CSTV has developed a significant online presence within the collegiate sports community, and CBSSports.com has become one of the leading destinations for professional sports coverage,” said Jason Kint, Senior Vice President and General Manager of CBSSports.com. “These are two world class operations with complementary audiences, and, taken together, will give CBS Sports the most powerful and varied user profile in all sports media.”
Indeed it does give CBS Sports something the FOX and ABC has had for years and that is a robust cable outlet for sports. Now they do!
